Conditional Type II Sentences

Having studied the first conditional previously, let's look at conditional II sentences and when to use these instead in hypothetical situations (i.e. situations that we imagine).

Conditional forms are used to imagine events in certain conditions. The conditional can be used to speak about real events that always happen (first conditional), imaginary events (second conditional), or imagined past events (third conditional, which we shall cover in a future lesson).

If we finish early, we will go out for lunch. = Conditional I - possible situation
If we had time, we would visit our friends.= Conditional II - imaginary situation

We need to study conditional forms in order to speak about past, present and future situations that depend on other events happening.

Conditional II is formed by the use of the past simple in the ‘if clause’ followed by a comma and the ‘would’ verb (base form) in the result clause. You can also put the result clause first without using a comma between the clauses.

[If they had more money], [they would buy a new house].
OR
[They would buy a new house] [if they had more money].

NOTE: The verb 'to be', when used in conditional II, is always used as 'were'.

[If he studied more], [he would pass the exam].
[I would lower taxes] [if I were the President].
[They would buy a new house] [if they had more money].

Practice time!

Please do the following exercise. Answer the questions as shown in the model to practise a HYPOTHETICAL condition. (The action will probably not happen, because the person is going to follow the other course of action.)

Model:

A: She isn't going to become a teacher next year.
B: What would happen if she became a teacher next year?
A: ............... [work very hard]
A: If she became a teacher next year, she would work very hard.

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1. They arent's going to play football next Sunday. What would happen if they played football next Sunday? [feel very tired]
2. Mr Plumb isn't going to leave on holiday next week. What would happen if Plumb left on holiday next week? [go on a trip abroad]
3. The Millers aren't going to have guests next Saturday. What would happen if the Millers had guests? [not watch television]
4. Roger isn't going to take his examination next month. What would happen if he took his examination next month? [be promoted]
5. The Martins aren't going to sell their car next year. What would happen if they sold their car? [buy another car]